The 40th annual Palm Beach show that starts March 24 will be getting an extra amount of attention this year, as many people are waiting to see if all the record-setting performance of the past year, and the Miami show last month, will continue or will be hobbled by a host of recent events.
For its part, the Miami show was a huge success, drawing more than 100,000 visitors to its five locations, and may boat companies reported record sales and profits. Dave Foulkes, the CEO of Brunswick, the largest boat builder in the U.S., said the show was “outstanding.” Frank Hugelmeyer, president of the National Marine Manufacturers Association, called it a “resounding success.” Pat Healey, president of Viking Yachts, said it was “just phenomenal.” Sunseeker, the British builder, sold every boat at the show, reaping $41 million.
But the world has changed since then, with global uncertainty from the war in Ukraine, spiking inflation, oil prices at $110 a barrel, the Dow dropping more than 9 percent since January 1, worsening supply-side problems, and a continuing problem of low (or no) inventory for both new and brokerage boats. After a successful Miami show, Ocean Alexander, for example, said its three most popular models were sold out for the immediate future, but there were still a few build slots open for 2024.
Now the stage is set for the increasingly popular Palm Beach show, running from Thursday, March 24, through Sunday, March 27, where more than $1.2 billion worth of boats and accessories will be on display, everything from superyachts to SUPs and kayaks. The show is along Flagler Drive in downtown West Palm Beach along the Intracoastal Waterway.
The Palm Beach show has a reputation as a serious buyers’ show, because it’s easy to see the boats. They’re all in one spot (as opposed to Miami) and the show is easy to get to, with parking and restaurants nearby. And it’s filled with the usual boat-show activities, everything from floating bars to educational seminars and water sports demos.
If you want to have an exclusive experience at the show, you can sign up for the Windward VIP Club (for $350 a person per day) at the Lakeside Pavilion on Flagler Drive, with indoor and outdoor areas, open bars and gourmet food.
For the rest of us, tickets cost $29 for an adult, and $15 for children from 6 to 15; children under 6 are free.
The hours are Thursday, noon to 7 pm; Friday and Saturday, 10 am to 7 pm, and Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm. Read more:
